The Girl with a GiftAwarded an Earth Monastery Grant from Abbey of the Arts! More details to come!

Carmina is a teenager whose younger sister, Mariana, has a gift, though some might call it a curse. When miracles and other strange things begin happening with children, animals, and even the weather, Carmina’s world is thrown upside down. No longer can she rely on math and science to save her. Carmina has to put aside her fears—both real and imagined, question her doubts about her family’s beliefs, and take a leap into the unknown. But as disaster looms and Carmina tries to protect Mariana from the inevitable, she finds she is at the mercy of forces beyond her control. It will take everything Carmina has to be true to herself and discover her own path. This is a remarkable coming-of-age story about how mystery, the strength and beauty of a soul, and love for the earth show a questioning teenage girl what to live for.

"McDowell's novel explores love and fear and the unintended consequences that grow from strong emotions. Small town relationships, paranormal experiences and climate change swirl like the violently whirling tornadoes featured in this adventure-filled tale. This profound story shines light on the promise of deep healing as it calls us into awareness of the gaping wound in humanity's relationship with Mother Earth."

~Catherine Grytting, EdD

“McDowell is the girl with a gift—a gift for crafting a multilayered tale that is humorous and heartbreaking, healing and hopeful. With not just one—but three (or four, depending on who you count) vivid female characters. Will be a welcome story for anyone who has struggled to find or understand their place in the world or senses and feels at a level below the surface. A gem of a book.” —Kimberly Crispeno, MDiv

What Readers are Saying!"Great read.""I am loving it.""Reading it again.""Fabulous!""So well written. I love your descriptions."

​"I love it myself. I can't wait to finish it and am almost done. Would have finished it in one sitting but I have training this week!""I downloaded the free first part of the book and of course I got left at the time we were to really see how bad the eye looked now I will get the whole book. It flows along effortlessly like you were just given the words. I was thinking of Sue Monk Kidd and the black Mary and the Mary worship and I feel I could always pray to Mary - this book shows your real gift for writing for [youth]. Almost like a Madeleine L'Engle book. ​You do an excellent job with tone."

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